Isaac Lara

Ernesto Isaac Lara is a youth wellbeing activist, lived experience researcher, and peer support advocate on a mission to create a happier, healthier global community.

Rooted in his healing journey, Isaac has dedicated his early career to expanding access to peer support training and services. Currently, Isaac works at the Mental Health for All Lab at Harvard Medical School, where he leads the EMPOWER Peer Support Initiative. This endeavor aims to develop a digital, global peer support curriculum to equip those with lived experience of recovery to support others earlier in their healing journey. Beyond his full time role, Isaac furthers his mission as an advisor and consultant to organizations such as the Global Mental Health Peer Network, NAMI, Flourish Labs, Stanford Psychiatry, and Lancet Psychiatry. In recognition of his advocacy and research he was awarded the 2024 Mental Health America mPower Award.